Three Men and Me

Yesterday I mentioned that I have three boys-my husband and two grown sons. Now for those of you who are so blessed to live in a testosterone filled home you will understand where I am heading. For those of you who do not, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

My guys are great and I love them dearly. One of the benefits of living with a household of men is that you can learn some very important lessons.

For instance, I receive private sports lessons. Do you know the difference between a kicker and a punter; defense and offense? Do you know where the short stop position is in baseball? The only thing I understand about basketball is that you are suppose to get the ball in the basket. I completely do not understand golf at all. I mean what is the fun in hitting a white ball around in the grass? Even though I do not understand the sport, I love hockey because at any given moment a fight can break out. (Sorry girls, that is just one of the hazards of living in an all male household.)

Another thing my guys have taught me is that I do not have to take all day to get ready. They think it is pretty cool when I can wash and dryer my hair, put on makeup, and get dressed in under thirty minutes. (Yes, I have been timed.) You cannot expect them to wait around on me when the sporting event starts in two hours. Girls, did you know it is must that you arrive two hours early at a baseball game in order to find your seat, get a program and watch batting practice?

Cooking is another important lesson I have learned. I am not a great chef. I now know that it is not good when the smoke alarm goes off every time I am in the kitchen. Blackened does not mean burned. If there is food on the table and it is not burned they are thankful. In addition, you always have a full pantry and refrig plus double portions at meals because at some point in the day there will be an extra buddy at the table. You might even find a kitchen full of football jocks grazing in the pantry or refrig.

When living with men humor is another lesson you will learn. My men make fun of me when I cry at a sad movie or a dog food commercial. It is their hobby in life to hide behind doors or in closets and jump out to scare me. I cannot tell you how many times I have "entertained" my boys when I pulled back the sheets on the bed and found a rubber snake planted there. Even writing this makes me giggle. Boy, I do miss my sons being at home. Now it is my husband's job to make me laugh.

The most important lesson I have learned is to pray for my family. First, my husband is a pastor and satan is constantly trying to discourage him. I pray daily that God will shield him from the satan's attacks. I ask God daily to give my husband wisdom and integrity as well. Secondly, I pray for my sons. My oldest is a commissioned 2Lt. in the Air Force. I pray for his safety daily. I also ask God to allow my son to be a witness to his fellow soldiers. My youngest son is a junior in college. My pray for him is that God would give him wisdom in his courses and provide witnessing opportunites on campus. In addition for both sons I have prayed since their birth that God would create a godly young lady that will one day be their wife.

Yes, God allowed me to live with three men in order to teach me some very important lessons in life.

Enjoy your family

Vanity is not pretty-just be yourself

Provide for your family and have an open door for others

Laughter IS the best medicine

Prayer is the only way to keep satan at a distance

What lessons have you learned from your family?